Good Life- HarnBy: olivia granaiola

This piece is titled "Old Man's Cloth" by Ghanaian artist El Anatsui and this represents the medium of the artist. El Anatsui used flattened bottle caps introduced by colonists to create this work of art. The hard metal caps are juxtaposed with the soft cloth that the people of Ghana would use to make blankets. I believe that El Anatsui was trying to relay the fact that the country of Ghana became more "hardened" after it was colonized by Europe. I was very drawn to this piece because it looks like a blanket, but is made out of bright, shiny materials. When I looked at the artist blurb and it said "Old Man's Cloth", I found the stark difference between the two interesting. I felt sad when I saw this piece because after years of learning how Africans were tortured as a result of the country's rich resources, I have never seen the story told by someone who experienced it firsthand. The "hardening" was introduced by Europeans who brought liquor. The cloth aspect is something that is close to Africa as a whole, but whose meaning became further diluted due to violence. Taken by: Olivia Granaiola. 1/18/17

When I saw the position of this piece inside the museum, I immediately knew that this was going to serve as my "Design" portion. "Seated Buddha", credited to the city of Ghandara, was placed on a corner, in a transparent case in front of a pure white wall, but is still illuminated (or enlightened). Since a Buddha is the ultimate sign of peace on Earth, it only makes sense that it would not take up a lot of space, but still draw people to it. After seeing this piece of art, I retraced my steps and realized exactly how many pieces of art in different sections, but the same closed off area as the Buddha I missed. Many of this artwork was much larger, but since it was in the corner, I missed it. I believe that the natural energy of the Buddha itself transcends the museum it is in and if the energy of the people entering the museum are in need of peace, then the Buddha will stick out, even though it does not seem to be meant to. Taken by: Olivia Granaiola 1/18/17

This piece, titled "Prism", by Marilyn Minter represents "Art and Core Values". Marilyn Minter is an artist who takes prints of American women becoming more glamorous, which is very evident in this print. Although one cannot see the woman's eyes, it is clear that she is expressing desire. Desire for a better life, desire for wealth, desire for beauty. She is shown to be sweating, which means that while she holds the jewels in her mouth, she is simultaneously working hard. Her pink frosted lips show that beauty is very important to her, and the jewels show her taste for the finer material things. It shows me that no matter what people's goals may be, they will do anything to get there. I am a person who desires success. Seeing the sweat on this woman's face shows me that in order to get what one wants, one must do anything to get there. Taken by: Olivia Granaiola. 1/18/17

This piece, titled "Islandia, Goddess of the Healing Waters", by Audrey Flack, represents "Art and the Good Life". Flack is an artist who sculpts powerful women in egalitarian societies. Islandia, the woman represented is wearing a gold skirt and her head is propped up high, showing her status. In a world where it is hard to see women in positions of power, this sculpture shows how "good" life was for women in politics during this time. She is gilded and bears angel wings showing that an outward representation of peace was available to her because she was equal to the man, unlike in today's society. I both understand and appreciate this art. I understand why Islandia would have to prop her head up and hold her hand out in order to demand respect. I appreciate it because any art that gives women and men equal status without a man even being in sight is something that should be more celebrated and widespread today. Taken by: Olivia Granaiola. 1/18/17